The document provides an overview of software modeling and design methods. It discusses the evolution of modeling approaches like object-oriented analysis and design (OOA/OOD), concurrent and distributed design methods. It also introduces the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and the Unified Software Development Process (USDP). The key advantages of modeling are improved productivity, reduced defects, improved understandability and maintainability. Modeling approaches like OOA/OOD view a system as interacting objects that accomplish tasks.